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Q. What is the best martial arts style?

From Diana Davila,
Your Guide to Martial Arts.
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A. The truth is, there really isn't a "best" martial art style. It all depends on what you are looking for, how effective the teacher is at training you, and how hard you work to perfect your skills. Some martial arts styles stress street combat, others stress sports skills and competition, others stress internal energy or chi, while still others are traditional arts that stress perfection of technique, self discipline and etiquette.

The best style out there for you is the style that helps you meet the goals you have set for yourself, and that pushes you to take your skills to the next level. If that means full contact training, then you need styles that can give you that. Just because a style doesn't focus on whatever it is you are interested in doesn't make it a bad style, it just makes it not the right style for you. Be wary of anyone who says otherwise. There is a long running joke in the martial arts, that basically says when someone says X is the best style, what they really mean is "I study X". Keep an open mind and open eyes, and you will find the style or styles that best fit your needs.

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